Covalent Layer by Layer Assembly (CLbL) Jeffrey T. Koberstein, Columbia University, DMR 0704054

1. Covalent Layer by Layer Assembly (CLbL)Jeffrey T. Koberstein, Columbia University, DMR 0704054 The CLbL self-assembly technique is a simple and versatile technique that offers unrivaled capabilities to create thin polymer films with molecular-level control over their architecture, composition, and thickness. Each monomolecular layer is covalently bonded to the preceding and following layers and the layering process is independent of the nature of the polymer. Essentially any sequence of polymer layers of any desired nature and monomolecular thickness may be assembled in this fashion. The required HetBipolymers, with one azide terminus and one protected alkyne terminus, are readily prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization. Starting with an alkyne functional surface, each new monomolecular layer is attached by “click: reactions between surface alkyne groups and azide chain termini. Surface alkynes are then “regenerated” by deprotection of the protected alkyne end groups. The cycle can be repeated many timeswith other HetBi polymers to create covalently bonded multilayer assemblies.

2. Covalent Layer by Layer AssemblyJeffrey T. Koberstein, Columbia University, DMR 0704054 The Romanian Connection-Prof. Koberstein is hosting two summer students, both speaking Romanian in the laboratory: Mr. Tomi Herceg, a chemical engineering undergraduate from Princeton University funded by an REU grant, and Ms. Madalina Ene, a mathematics major from Fordham University. Both students are working on CLbL and the use of light to bring about interfacial reactions. This is the third year that Ms. Ene is working in our labs and she has now successfully entered the Columbia University 3-2 program in chemical engineering. The 3-2 program is designed to facilitate scientists to get degrees in engineering. Ms. Ene will receive a degree in math as well as a degree in chemical engineering in the 5 year program. Pictured with the two summer students are Hernan Rengifo and Nicholas Carbone, two chemical engineering PhD students that are serving as their mentors,